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A DRAMATIZATION OF 
THE BOOK OF JOB 



THE PROBLEM OF HUMAN SUFFERING 

By JAMES S. STEVENS 





Dr. George Davis Chase as Job in Prosperity 



A DRAMATIZATION 

of 

THE BOOK OF JOB 



The Problem of Human Suffering 



By 

JAMES S. STEVENS 

T>ean of the College of Arts and Sciences 
University of Maine 



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THE STRATFORD COMPANY, Publishers 
BOSTON 






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Copyright 1917 

The Stratford Co., Publishers 

Boston 



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©CU4(37724 

JUL -5 1917 

The Alpine Press, Boston, U. S. A. 



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Characters 

In order of their appearance 



Herald 
First Crier 
Second Crier 
Job 

The Satan 
The Lord 
First Messenger 
Second Messenger 
Third Messenger 
Fourth Messenger 
Job's Wife 

Eliphaz, the Temanite 
BiLDAD, the Shuhite 
ZoPHAR^ the Naamathite 
Elihu, the Buzite 
An oriental pageant, appearing in the epilog. 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



Synopsis 



This synopsis will be of assistance to the audience if 
printed on a program 



The Herald's Confession of Faith 
Overture, I Know That My Redeemer Liveth 

Prolog 

Job's prosperity is announced by the Crier 
Job appears 

Job's integrity questioned by the Satan 
Job's afflictions announced by Messengers 
Job's integrity further questioned by the Satan; he is griev- 
ously afflicted 
Musical theme, Nevin's Song of Sorrow 
Job 's wife reproves him for retaining his integrity 
Arrival of Job 's friends 
Musical theme, Massenet* s Elegy 

The Curse 
Job curses the day he was bom 

The Debate 
Argument between Job and his three friends 

The Interposition of Elihu 

Elihu is silenced by a storm which culminates in a whirlwind 
Out of the whirlwind speaks the 

Voice of the Lord 
Job is humbled 

The Epilog 

Job's restored prosperity announced by the Criers, and illus- 
trated by a Pageant 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



Preface 

From a literary point of view it is unfortunate that the Book 
of Job appears in the Bible. There are many who hesitate to 
study any portion of the scriptures from a literary or critical 
standpoint. This is doubtless due to a lingering belief in their 
literal truthfulness and a feeling that it is sacrilegious to devote 
any study to the scriptures other than a mere reading of the 
passages. 

On the other hand there seems to exist on the part of many 
young people a certain reluctance to be known as a student of the 
Bible. Many college students who would not hesitate to carry a 
copy of Homer, Aeschylus, or Shakespeare across the campus 
would be deeply chagrined if they were found with a copy of the 
Old Testament. It is refreshing, therefore, when one finds on 
the cover of such a splendid book as Davidson's J oh, the words 
*'For Schools and Colleges." 

Thomas Carlyle has said, '^ There is nothing written, I think, 
in the Bible or out of it, of equal literary merit." Any effort 
which may be made to familiarize young people with such a piece 
of literature as the Book of Job is worth while. In this drama- 
tization an attempt has been made to retain the passages which are 
necessary for a connected narrative and omit those which are not 
essential to the story. Some difficulty was experienced in pre- 
serving the homogeneous character of the book after these 
omissions had been made. A careful reading will, I think, prove 
that the story is complete and the literary form has not been lost. 
The production of this dramatization may be undertaken by any 
church, Sunday-school, young peoples' society, or literary club 
which contains men and women who are enthusiastic in their 
admiration for the Book of Job and who are willing to put the 
requisite work into the preparation. Inasmuch as the music is 
played behind the scenes it may be suggested that a church or 
chapel which has an organ behind the pulpit would be well 
adapted for this production. It is obvious, of course, that its 
success will depend largely upon the dramatic powers of the 
members of the cast and the skill of the musicians who play the 
various selections. 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



THE BOOK OF JOB 

This book was formerly regarded as the oldest book in the 
Bible and perhaps the oldest piece of literature which we possess. 
Recent critics are inclined to give it a much later date and it is 
now generally assigned to about the seventh century B. C. It is 
certain that the story of the book was laid in very early 
patriarchal times, and if the book was written at the time in- 
dicated it is a wonderful example of a work which is entirely 
free from anachronisms. No mention is made of the command- 
ments, the priesthood, the ark of the covenant or any of the laws 
and regulations so fully elaborated in the Pentateuch. It is as 
though one should write a philosophical dialog which is supposed 
to have taken place in the twelfth century and which should be 
entirely free from the influence of Kant, Fichte, Hegel, Berkeley, 
William James, or Bernard Shaw. Even Shakespeare failed to do 
this as readers of Julius Caesar will readily recall. Such state- 
ments as, **The clock hath stricken three," and *'0 what a time 
you have chose out, brave Caius, to wear a kerchief," have 
reference to events which could not well have happened in 
Caesar's time. 

Mr. John Owen has called the Book of Job one of the five 
skeptical dramas of history. He includes in this list besides the 
Book of Job, the Prometheus Bound, Goethe's Faust, Shake- 
speare's Hamlet, and Calderon's Wonder Working Magician. 
While there is a certain similarity between the Book of Job and 
the last two mentioned, the problems of the Faust, Prometheus 
Bound, and Job are strikingly alike. The opening passages of 
the Faust are based directly on the Book of Job, and Mephisto- 
pheles is the Satan considerably modified in character. The most 
striking resemblance appears between Prometheus Bound and J oh. 
Their problems are very similar as are the mental perplexities of 
the heroes of the books. One should read carefully the Prometheus 
Bound in order to gain an intelligent conception of the Book of 
Job. A passage which is strikingly similar to a passage in Joh 
is quoted in the notes. 

The authorship of Joh has been attributed to Job himself, 
Moses, Solomon, Hezekiah, Baruch, and others. The belief that 
it is a narrative of historical facts is not entertained by many 
scholars at the present time. It is quite likely, however, that 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



there lived in patriarchal times a man who was conspicuous both 
for his piety and for his prosperity. A sudden series of calami- 
ties reduced this man to poverty and physical discomfort. So 
striking were the changes in his condition that his name became 
a proverb for many generations, and it is likely that around the 
legends connected with this personage were built up the scenes 
which are given us in the Book of Job, 

THE PROBLEM OF THE BOOK 

It is generally accepted that the problem of the Book of Job 
lies in the endeavor to find out why misfortunes exist in the 
world, and in particular why they fall to the lot of the righteous. 
What may be called an auxiliary problem is stated in the prolog 
where Satan asks the question ''Doth Job fear God for nought?'' 
This is equivalent to asking if there exists in the world any such 
thing as disinterested virtue. The answer to this question is 
given us in the prolog, and that part of the book seems to be 
complete in itself. We see that Job fears God for no selfish 
reason, and continues to fear Him after the most terrible calami- 
ties have overtaken him. 

The greater problem with which the main portions of the 
book are chiefly concerned is attacked from various points of 
view by the different speakers. To Job the misfortunes of the 
righteous come from an Omnipotent Being who does not always 
exhibit perfect justice in his dealings with mankind. To the 
three friends the misfortunes of Job are evidences that his life 
is not a blameless one and this point of view is shared by Elihu. 
The philosophy of the epilog is the weakest part of the book and 
clearly teaches that great material prosperity eventually follows 
the proper readjustment of a man's relations to God. 

It is in the Voice of God speaking out of the whirlwind that 
we get the most rational explanation of the problem of evil. A 
complete solution of the difficulty is by no means given us but we 
are told what the doctrine of evolution many years afterwards 
confirmed, that man is a part of a stupendous scheme which the 
Infinite is bringing into perfection. There is no more reason for 
an individual man to complain of his misfortunes and temptations 
than for an earthworm to complain because a segment happened 
to be left out in its creation. Job's attention was called to the 
Infinite power and wisdom of the Almighty, and when he sees this 
he says no more about his own misfortunes. He repents in dust and 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



ashes; and this is not for specific sins which he has committed, 
but it is because he has failed to have the proper conception of 
the relation between man and his Maker. This is probably the 
earliest teaching in existence of the stupendous fact that 

'* Nothing walks with aimless feet," 
but that if we could in any slight measure get the point of view 
of the Infinite the problems which perplex us now would become 
perfectly clear. 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



Stage, Scenes, and Costumes 

STAGE 

The stage settings should be arranged to suggest an oriental 
country place in patriarchal times. A dark curtain should hang 
at the sides and back except in the center of the stage there should 
be a thin blue curtain through which light from behind could 
readily pass. In front of this blue curtain should be a grotto 
with a well at the right. At the extreme right of the stage should 
be an open tent from which Job's wife first appears and into 
which the messengers go after they have recited their lines. At 
the left of the grotto, steps should lead to the upper part of the 
center of the stage and terminate behind the blue curtain. It is by 
means of these steps that Satan passes from earth to heaven and 
back to earth again. Heaven is represented in the rear of the 
brilliantly lighted blue curtain. The steps may also be used by 
the Herald when during the pageant scene he carries up his 
incense. 

SCENES 

There is no necessity for changing the scenery at any time 
during the play, nor is it necessary to have a drop curtain. The 
music is played in each case behind the scenes and the action of 
Job when in expressing his great sorrow he throws off his mantle 
and puts on his emblem of mourning, may be effectively repre- 
sented before the audience. The pageant which enters from the 
left and crosses the stage, salutes Job who is in the center of the 
stage, and passes oil at the right. 

COSTUMES 

Herald: The costume of an oriental shepherd, gray mantle 
and tunic. He carries a crook. 

Criers: Loose flowing black robes and black head covering. 

Satan : Close fitting red tights ; heavy black mantle ; a black 
or red cap. 

Joh : Royal purple tunic with white girdle ; gold colored man- 
tle with white turban. The mantle and turban are removed and 
replaced by a sackcloth mantle. 



10 A Dramatization of the Book of Job 

Job's Wife: Lavender tunic and white mantle; thin white 
veil. 

Messengers : Short tunics in various colors. 

The Friends: Neutral colored tunics and mantles; white 
turbans. 

Elihu: Short light blue tunic and gray mantle. 

Pageant: The women wear white tunics and mantles; the 
men wear various colored tunics and mantles. 

All the cast wear sandals. The one who speaks the words 
of the Voice of the Lord is always behind the scenes. 

MUSIC 

Where this dramatization has been given a great part of the 
success has been due to the music. An ideal arrangement would 
include an organ, cello, and violin. The piano may be readily 
substituted for the organ and either the cello or violin may be 
omitted if necessary. There are two passages in the Book of Job 
which have been used as themes for musical compositions. The 
first, "1 know that My Redeemer Liveth," is one of the striking 
pronouncements of the book, and the tune ''Bradford" which is 
usually used with these words readily lends itself as an overture 
which will serve to produce in the audience a reverent and recep- 
tive attitude. Variations of this tune should also be played as an 
accompaniment when the Voice of the Lord is speaking in the 
whirlwind. The other passage ''Oh, that I Kiiew where I Might 
Find Him" is made use of in the oratorio of Elijah. This may be 
used to good advantage when Job has finished his ' ' Oath of Clear- 
ing," just before the Crier announces "The words of Job are 
ended. ' ' 

When Job is smitten with disease and sinks upon a refuse 
heap in great affliction a musical selection representing profound 
sorrow should be played. While one should consult his individual 
judgment in making these selections, it has been found that 
Nevin's "Song of Sorrow" is admirable here. A little later 
when Job's three friends come to condole with him they sit in 
silence for seven days and seven nights. Massenet's wonderful 
elegy, with organ, violin, and cello would seem to be a most 
appropriate selection to express this exhibition of sympathetic 
silence. 



A Dramatization of the Book op Job 11 



The greatest difficulty will probably be found in producing 
the music of the storm when Elihu is speaking. The text in- 
dicates the various phases of the storm which should be imitated. 
It would add to the effect if the lights were turned off at this 
time and electric flashes should appear behind the blue curtain 
when lightning is suggested. 



12 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



Pronunciations 



Barachel 


Ba'-rak-el 


Buzite 


Buz'-ite 


Chaldeans 


Kal-de'-ans 


Elihu 


E-li'-hu 


Eliphaz 


El'-i-phaz 


Mazzaroth 


Maz'-za-roth 


Naamathite 


Na "-a-ma-thite ' 


Orion 


O-ri'-on 


Pleiades 


Ple^-a-des 


Sabeans 


Sa-be'-ans 


Temanite 


Te '-man-ite 


Zophar 


Zo'-phar 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 13 



The Drama 

Heeald 

The Herald is dressed as an oriental shepherd. He carries a 
crook and enters slowly. When he reaches the center of the stage 
he recites: 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me 
beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of 
righteousness for his name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of 
death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy 
staff they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine 
enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of 
my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

The Herald goes off stage when the overture begins. 

OVERTURE 
**7 Know that My Eedeemer Liveth" 

PROLOG 

First Crier_, enters left. 

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; 
and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, 
and eschewed evil. 

And there were born unto him seven sons and three 
daughters. 

His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three 
thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred 
she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the 
greatest of all the men of the east. 

And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one 



14 A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to 
drink with them. 

And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone 
about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in 
the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number 
of them all; for Job said, **It may be that my sons have sinned 
and cursed God in their hearts. '^ Thus did Job continually. 

Second Crieb^ enters right. 

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present 
themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. 

Job appears in front. He washes his hands and assumes an 
attitude of devotion. Satan appears in the rear, observes Job, 
and ascends to heaven. 

Music in Heaven 

This should be rendered by a mixed quartet or chorus choir 
without accompaniment. 

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore thee. 
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; 
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee, 
Which wert and art and evermore shall be. 

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide thee. 
Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see; 
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee, 
Perfect in power, in love and purity. 

Heaven should be illuminated just as the music begins. 

The Lord, in heaven. 

Whence comest thou? 

Satan, in heaven. 

From going to and fro in the earth, and walking up and down 
in it. 

The Lord 

Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like 
him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth 
God, and escheweth evil? 



A Dramatization of the Book op Job 15 



Satan 

Doth Job fear God for nought? 

Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, 
and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the 
work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 

But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath and 
he will curse thee to thy face. 

The Lord 

Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself 
put not forth thine hand. 

Satan leaves heaven and comes to the earth, rear of stage. 
He glances at Job who is in front and hastens off the stage. 

First Messenger, enters left, to Job. 

The oxen were ploughing, and the asses feeding beside them. 

And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, 
they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I 
only am escaped alone to tell thee. 

Second Messenger, enters left, to Job. 

The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up 
the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am 
escaped alone to tell thee. 

Third Messenger_, enters left, to Job. 

The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the 
camels and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants 
with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to 
tell thee. 

Fourth Messenger, enters left, to Job. 

Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in 
their eldest brother ^s house; 

And, behold there came a great wind from the wilderness 
and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the 
young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to 
tell thee. 



16 A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



These messengers speak hurriedly and break in upon one 
another. When they have delivered their messages they pass to 
the right of the stage and sit down on the floor under the tent. 
Job receives their messages with increasing sorrowfulness. When 
they have departed he rises, rends his mantle, throws dust upon 
his head, falls down upon the ground, and says : 

Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I 
return thither; the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; 
blessed be the name of the Lord. 

First Crier_, enters left. 
In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. 

Second Crier^ enters right. 

Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present 
themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to 
present himself before the Lord. 

While the Second Crier is speaking Satan appears at the 
rear of the stage and ascends to heaven. 

The Lord 
From whence comest thou? 

Satan 

From going to and fro in the earth, and walking up and 
down in it. 

The Lord 

Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like 
him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth 
God and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, 
although thou movedst me against him to destroy him with- 
out cause. 

Satan 

Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for 
his life. 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 17 

But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his 
flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. 

The Lord 

Behold, he is in thine hand ; but save his life. 

Satan comes down out of heaven and sees Job walking sor- 
rowfully upon earth. He pierces him with his glance and casts a 
spell upon him. Job feels the blight of Satan and sinks down 
upon the ground in terrible agony. 

Music, The Song of Sorrow, by Nevin 

Job's Wife_, enters right. 
Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die. 

Job 

Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What ? 
shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not re- 
ceive evil? 

Job's wife passes off the stage slowly and somewhat scorn- 
fully to the right. When she reaches the messengers she claps 
her hands and they rise and hurry away. 

Job seats himself upon a refuse heap. A company of 
visitors approach from a distance^ left. Of these, three come closer 
to Job and sit down in silence. 

Music: Massenet's Elegy. The music should continue at 
length to represent an extended period of time. 

Job 

Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in 
which it was said, there is a man child conceived. 

Let that day be darkness, let not God regard it from above, 
neither let the light shine upon it. 

Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for 



18 A Dramatization of the Book of Job 

light, but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the day: 

Sorrowfully. 

Why died I not from the womb? 

Why did the knees prevent me? 

For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should 
have slept; then had I been at rest. 

Where the wicked cease from troubling ; and where the weary 
are at rest. 

There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of 
the oppressor. 

The small and great are there; and the servant is free from 
his master. 

Eliphaz 

If we assay to eonmiune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but 
who can withhold himself from speaking? 

Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast 
strengthened the weak hands. 

Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou 
hast strengthened the feeble knees. 

But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth 
thee, and thou art troubled. 

Remember, I pray thee, whoever perished, being innocent? 
or where were the righteous cut off? 

With awe. 

A thing was secretlj^ brought to me, and mine ear received a 
little thereof. 

In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep 
falleth on men. 

Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones 
to shake. 

Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh 
stood up: 

It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an 
image was before mine eyes, there was silence and I heard a 
voice, saying. 

Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be 
more pure than his Maker? 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 19 



Eliphaz relates his vision in a manner to inspire great awe. 
His manner of speaking now changes somewhat abruptly to sim- 
ple narrative. 

I have seen the foolish taking root; but suddenly I cursed 
his habitation. 

His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in 
the gate, neither is there any to deliver them. 

Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither 
doth trouble spring out of the ground; 

Yet man is bom unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. 

I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my 
cause. 

Job 

Oh that my grief were thoroughly weighed, and my calamity 
laid in the balances together! 

For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; there- 
fore my words are swallowed up. 

For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison 
whereof drinketh up my spirit; the terrors of God do set them- 
selves in array against me. 

Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass ? or loweth the ox 
over his fodder? 

What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine 
end, that I should prolong my life? 

Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not 
his days also like the days of a hireling? 

As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as a hireling 
looketh for the reward of his work; 

So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome 
nights are appointed to me. 

When I lie down, I say. When shall I arise, and the night be 
gone? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of 
the day. 

My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent 
without hope. 

remember that my life is wind; mine eye shall no more 
see good. 

The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more; 
thine eyes are upon me, and I am not. 

As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away; so he that 
goeth down to the grave shall come up no more. 



20 A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place 
know him any more. 

BiLDAD 

How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall 
the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind? 

Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert 
justice ? 

If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy 
supplication to the Almighty. 

If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake 
for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous. 

Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should 
greatly increase. 

Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will 
he help the evil doers; 

Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with 
rejoicing. 

Job 

I know it is so of a truth; but how should man be just 
with God? 

If he will contend with him, lie cannot answer him one of 
a thousand. 

Who hath hardened himself against God, and hath prospered ? 

Which removeth the mountains, and they know not; which 
overturneth them in his anger: 

Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars 
thereof tremble; 

Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth 
up the stars : 

Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon 
the waves of the sea; 

Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the 
chambers of the south; 

Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and won- 
ders without number. 

If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands 
never so clean; 

Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes 
shall abhor me. 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 21 



For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and 
we should come together in judgment. 

Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his 
hand upon us both. 

My soul is weary of life; I will leave my complaint upon 
myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. 

Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that 
I may take comfort a little. 

Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of 
darkness and shadow of death; 

A land of darkness as darkness itself; and of the shadow of 
death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness. 

ZOPHAR 

Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should 
a man full of talk be justified? 

Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou 
mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? 

For thou hast said. My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in 
thine eyes. 

But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee; 

And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they 
are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth 
of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. 

Impressively. 

Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out 
the Almighty unto perfection? 

It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than 
hell; what canst thou know? 

If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let no 
wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. 

And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday ; thou shalt 
shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. 

Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; 
yea, many shall make suit unto thee. 

But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not 
escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost. 

Job 

No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die 
with you. 



22 A Dramatization of the Book op Job 



But I have understanding as well as you, yea, who knoweth 
not such things as these? 

I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, 
and he answereth him; the just upright man is laughed to scorn. 

Vehemently. 

But ye are -forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value. 

Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let 
come on me what will. 

Behold He may slay me ; I may not hope ; but I will maintain 
my ways to his face. 

Job*s mood becomes contemplative. 

Man that is bom of a woman is of few days, and full of 
trouble. 

He Cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down ; he fleeth also 
as a shadow, and continueth not. 

For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will 
sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 

Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock 
thereof die in the ground; 

Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth 
boughs like a plant. 

But man dieth, and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the 
ghost, and where is he ? 

As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and 
drieth up : 

So man lieth down, and riseth not; till the heavens be no 
more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. 

Eliphaz 

Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly 
with the east wind? 

Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches 
wherewith he can do no good? 

Art thou the first man that was born ? or wast thou made be- 
fore the hills? 

What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born 
of a woman, that he should be righteous? 

The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the 
number of years is hidden to the oppressor. 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 23 



For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strength- 
eneth himself against the Almighty. 

Job 

I have heard many such things, miserable comforters are 
ye all. 

Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee 
that thou answerest? 

I should also speak as ye do; if your soul were in my soul's 
stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake my head 
at you. 

But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving 
of my lips should assuage your grief. 

Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged, and though I 
forbear, what am I eased? 

My face is foul with weeping, and on my eyelids is the 
shadow of death; 

Not for any injustice in mine hands ; also my prayer is pure. 

Oh that one might plead for a man with God, as a man 
pleadeth for his neighbor! 

When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence 
I shall not return. 

But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I can- 
not find one wise man among you. 

If I wait, the grave is mine house; I have made my bed in 
the darkness. 

I have said to corruption, Thou art my father; to the worm, 
Thou art my mother, and my sister. 

And where is now my hope? As for my hope, who shall 
see it? 

They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest 
together is in the dust. 

BiLDAD 

How long will it be ere ye make an end of words ? Mark, and 
afterwards we will speak. 

Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed vile in 
your sight ? 

Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark 
of his fire shall not shine. 



24 A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle 
drive him to his feet. 

His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his 
branch be cut off. 

They that come after him shall be astonished at his day, as 
they that went before were affrighted. 

Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the 
place of him that knoweth not God. 

Job 

How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with 
words ? 

These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed 
that ye make yourselves strange to me. 

And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth 
with myself. 

Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, ye my friends; 
for the hand of God hath touched me. 

Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with 
my flesh? 

Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were 
printed in a book ! 

That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the 
rock forever! 

For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand 
at the latter day upon the earth. 

And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in 
my flesh shall I see God: 

Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, 
and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. 

ZOPHAR 

Knowest thou not this of old since man was placed upon 
earth. 

That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of 
the hypocrite but for a moment? 

Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his 
head reach unto the clouds: 

Yet he shall perish for ever like his own offal; they which 
have seen him shall say. Where is he? 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 25 



He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found; yea, 
he shall be chased away as a vision of the night. 

All darkness shall he hide in his secret places, a fire not 
blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in 
his tabernacle. 

This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the 
heritage appointed unto him by God. 

Job 

Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations. 

Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken 
mock on. 

Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty 
in power? 

Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their 
offspring before their eyes. 

Their houses are safe from,' fear, neither is the rod of God 
upon them. 

They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their 
children dance. 

They take the timbrel and harp and rejoice at the sound of 
the organ. 

They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down 
to the grave. 

Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us ; for we desire 
not the knowledge of thy ways. 

What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what 
profit should we have, if we pray unto him? 

Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those 
that are high. 

One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. 

And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never 
eateth with pleasure. 

They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall 
cover them. 

How then comfort ye me in vain, seeing in your answers 
there remaineth falsehood? 

Eliphaz 

Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be 
profitable unto himself? 



26 A Dramatization of the Book op Job 



Is it any pleasure to the Almiglity, that thou art righteous? 
or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect ? 

Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite? 

For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, 
and stripped the naked of their clothing. 

Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou 
hast withholden bread from the hungry. 

Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the 
fatherless have been broken. 

Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear 
troubleth thee; 

Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of 
waters cover thee. 

If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou 
shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles. 

Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir 
as the stones of the brooks. 

Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have 
plenty of silver. 

For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty and 
shalt lift up thy face unto God. 

Eliphaz should make the list of specific charges count 
strongly against Joh. 

J0B_, yearningly. 

Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come 
even to his seat! 

I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with 
arguments. 

I would know the words which he would answer me, and 
understand what he would say unto me. 

Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he 
would put strength in me. 

For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me; and 
many such things are with him. 

Therefore am I troubled at his presence; when I consix^er, 
I am afraid of him. 

For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth 
me: 

Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hatb 
he covered the darkness from my face. 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 27 



BiLDAD^ with little of his former vigor. 

Dominion and fear are with him; he maketh peace in his 
places. 

Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not 
his light arise? 

How then can men be justified with God? or how can he be 
clean that is born of woman? 

Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars 
are not pure in his sight. 

How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, 
which is a worm? 

Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering. 

He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth 
the earth upon nothing. 

He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud 
is not rent under them. 

He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his 
cloud upon it. 

He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day 
and night come to an end. 

The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his 
reproof. 

He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understand- 
ing he smiteth through the proud. 

By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath 
formed the crooked serpent. 

Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is 
heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand? 

Job 

As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the 
Almighty, who hath vexed my soul; 

All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is 
iQ my nostrils. 

My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter 
deceit. 

God forbid that I should justify you; till I die I will not 
remove mine integrity from me. 

My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my 
heart shall not reproach me so long as I live. 



28 A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



ZOPHAR 

What is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained 
when God taketh away his soul? 

Will God hear his cry when trouble eometh upon him? 

Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call 
upon God? 

I will teach you by the hand of God; that which is with the 
Almighty will I not conceal. 

Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it; why then are ye thus 
altogether vain ? 

This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heri- 
tage of the oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty. 

If his children be multiplied, it is for the sword; and his 
offspring shall not be satisfied with bread. 

Those that remain of him shall be buried in death; and his 
widows shall not weep. 

Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment 
as the clay: 

He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on and the 
innocent shall divide the silver 

[He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth that the 
keeper maketh. 

The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered; 
he openeth his eyes, and he is not. 

Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest stealeth him 
away in the night. 

The east wind earrieth him away, and he departeth; and as 
a storm hurleth him out of his place. 

For God shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain 
flee out of his hand. 

Man shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out 
of his place.] 

Zophar changes his tone from assertion to meditation. 

Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold 
where they fine it. 

Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the 
stone. 

He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all per- 
fection; the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death. 

The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 29 



forgotten of the foot; they are dried up, they are gone away 
from men. 

As for the earth, out of it cometh bread; and under it is 
turned up as it were fire. 

The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath 
dust of gold. 

There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vul- 
ture 's eye hath not seen : 

The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion 
passed by it 

[He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth 
the mountains by the roots. 

He cutteth out rivers among the rock ; and his eye seeth every 
precious thing. 

He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that 
is hid bringeth he forth to light.] 

But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place 
of understanding? 

Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in 
the land of the living. 

The depth saith. It is not in me; and the sea saith, It is not 
with me. 

It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed 
for the price thereof. 

It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious 
onyx, or with the sapphire. 

The gold and the crystal cannot equal it ; and the exchange of 
it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. 

No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls : for the price 
of wisdom is above rubies. 

The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be 
valued with pure gold. 

Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of 
understanding ? 

Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close 
from the fowls of the air. 

Destruction and death say. We have heard the fame thereof 
with our ears. 

God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the 
place thereof. 



30 A DraMxVtization of the Book of Job 



For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under 
the whole heaven. 

To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the 
waters by measure. 

When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the 
lightning of the thunder : 

Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and 
searched it out. 

And unto man, he said. Behold, the fear of the Lord, that 
is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding. 

Job 
He rises and pronounces impressively the oath of clearing. 

If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted 
to deceit: 

If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart 
walked after mine eyes and if any blot hath cleaved to mine 
hands : 

If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maid- 
servant, when they contended with me : 

If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have 
caused the eyes of the widow to fail: 

If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor 
without covering: 

If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed 
with the fleece of my sheep; 

If I have lifted up my hands against the fatherless, when 
I saw my help in the gate: 

Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine 
arm be broken from the bone. 

If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold. 
Thou art my confidence: 

If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine 
hand had gotten much : 

If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in 
brightness ; 

And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath 
kissed my hand: 

[If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or 
lifted up myself when evil found him; 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 31 



If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of 
his flesh! we cannot be satisfied. 

If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine 
iniquity in my bosom.] 

If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise 
thereof complain ; 

If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have 
caused the owners thereof to lose their life : 

Let thistles grow instead of wheat and cockle instead of 
barley. 

Variations of the theme, ^^Oh, that I Knew where I Might 
Find Him/' from Elijah. 

First Crier, enters left. 
The words of Job are ended. 

Second Crier 

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was 
righteous in his own eyes. 

Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel 
the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath 
kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. 

Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, be- 
cause they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 

Elihu comes into the inner circle in a hesitating manner. 

Elihu 

I am young, and ye are very old ; wherefore I was afraid, and 
durst not show you mine opinion. 

I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should 
teach wisdom. 

But there is a spirit in man; and the inspiration of the Al- 
mighty giveth them understanding. 

Great men are not always wise; neither do the aged under- 
stand judgment. 

Therefore I said. Hearken to me; I also will shew mine 
opinion. 



32 A Dramatization of the Book op Job 



Behold, I waited for your words ; I gave ear to your reasons, 
whilst ye searched out what to say. 

Yea, I attended unto you, and behold, there was none of 
you that convinced Job, or that answered his words: 

Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom : God thrust- 
eth him down, not man. 

Addressing Job. 

If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, 
stand up. 

Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead; I also 
am formed out of the clay. 

Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall 
my hand be heavy upon thee. 

Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account 
of any of his matters. 

For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 

In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep f alleth 
upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 

Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruc- 
tion. 

Mark well, Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I 
will speak 

If thou hast anything to say answer me; speak, for I desire 
to justify thee. 

If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach 
thee wisdom. 

Job remains silent; Elihu addresses the friends. 

Hear my words, ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye 
that have knowledge. 

For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. 

Let us choose to us judgment; let us know among ourselves 
what is good. 

If now thou hast understanding, hear this; hearken to the 
voice of my words. 

Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man heark- 
en unto me. 

Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were 
without wisdom. 

My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end, because 
of his answers for wicked men. 



A Dramatization op the Book of Job 33 



Suffer me a little and I will shew thee that I have yet 
to speak on God's behalf. 

I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe 
righteousness to my Maker. 

For truly my words shall not be false; he that is perfect in 
knowledge is with thee. 

Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any; he is mighty 
in strength and wisdom. 

He preserveth not the life of the wicked; but giveth right 
to the poor. 

Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can 
the number of years be searched out. 

For he maketh small the drops of water; they pour down 
rain according to the vapour thereof: (Rain) 

Which the clouds do drop and distill upon man abundantly. 

Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or 
the noise of his tabernacle ? 

Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bot- 
tom of the sea. 

Bain. 

Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that 
goeth out of his mouth. 

He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning 
unto the ends of the earth. (Lightning) 

After it a voice roareth; he thundereth with the voice of 
his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard. 

Thunder. 

God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things 
doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. 

Out of the south cometh the whirlwind; and cold out of the 
north. 

Loud Wind. 

By the breath of God frost is given; and the breadth of 
the waters is straitened. 

Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud; he scattereth 
his bright cloud: 

And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds ; 
but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them. 



34 A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



Fair weather eometh out of the north; with God is terrible 
majesty. 

Fair Weather. 

Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out; it is ex- 
cellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice; he 
will not afflict. 

Increasing Storm. 

Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are 
wise of heart. 

Culmination of storm into a whirlwind^ Elihu recites the 
last of the passage brokenly and in evident terror. The music 
reaches a climax and stops suddenly. 

The Lord 

Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without know- 
ledge? Elihu slinks away. 

Addressing Job. 

Gird up thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, 
and answer thou me. 

While the Lord is speaking soft music from "I Know that 
My Redeemer Liveth*' should be played. 

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? 
declare, if thou hast understanding. 

Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest ? or who 
hath stretched the line upon it? 

Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or, who 
laid the corner stone thereof? 

When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of 
God shouted for joy? 

Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as 
if it had issued out of the womb? 

When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick dark- 
ness a swaddling band for it. 

And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and 
doors. 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 35 



And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and 
here shall thy proud waves be stayed? 

Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days: and 
caused the dayspring to know his place : 

Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of 
dew? 

Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of 
heaven, who hath gendered it? 

Canst thou bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades, or loose 
the bands of Orion? 

Canst thjou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst 
thou guide Arcturus with his sons? 

Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his 
neck with thunder? 

Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of 
his nostrils is terrible. 

He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength; he 
goeth on to meet the armed men. 

He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither tumeth 
he back from the sward. 

The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and 
the shield. 

He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage; neither 
believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. 

He saith among the trumpets. Ha, ha! and he smelleth the 
battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting. 

Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he 
that reproveth God, let him answer it. 

Job 

Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine 
hand upon my mouth. 

Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice, but 
I will proceed no further. 

The Lord 

Gird up thy loins like a man: I will demand of thee, and 
declare thou unto me. 

Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn 
me, that thou mayest be righteous? 



36 A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a 
voice like him? 

Canst thou draw out leviathan with a hook? or his tongue 
with a cord which thou lettest down? 

Canst thou put a hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through 
with a thorn? 

Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak 
soft words unto thee? 

None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to 
stand before me? 

Job 

I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought 
can be withholden from thee. 

The Lord 
Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? 

Job 

I uttered that I understood not ; things too wonderful for me, 
which I knew not. 

Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak. 

The Lord^ faintly, 
I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 

Job 

I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear; but now mine 
eye seeth thee: 

Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. 

First Crier, enters left. 

And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words 
unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is 
kindled against thee, and against thy two friends for ye have 
not spoken of me the thing that is right as my servant Job hath. 

Therefore, take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, 
and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt 
offering ; and my servant Job shall pray for you : for him will I 



A Dramatization op the Book of Job 37 



accept; lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have 
not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. 

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar 
the Naamathite went, and did according as the Lord commanded 
them; the Lord also accepted Job. 

And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed 
for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had 
before. 

At this point a pageant representing Job's brethren and 
friends passes before him and makes obeisance. Job's wife, 
one of the pageant, covers Job with the gold colored mantl&\ 
which he had discarded. The Herald slowly ascends the steps 
towards heaven bearing a vessel of smoking incense. 

Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, 
and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat 
bread with him in his house; and they bemoaned him, and com- 
forted him over all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him: 
every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an 
earring of gold. 

So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his 
beginning for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand 
camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. 

He had also seven sons and three daughters. 

And in all the land were no women found so fair as the 
daughters of Job : and their father gave them inheritance among 
their brethren. 

After this lived Job a hundred and forty years, and saw 
his sons, and his sons ' sons, even four generations. 

So Job died, being old and full of days. 

The End 



38 A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



Notes 

THE SATAN 

The character of Satan as interpreted by modern biblical 
scholars differs radically from that of the evil spirit of the 
Persians or the personal Devil of the Middle Ages. He is 
supposed to be one of the sons of God whose particular mission 
is to test the characters of men and women upon the earth in 
order to discover whether there may not exist certain hidden 
blemishes. For dramatic purposes, however, it is better to con- 
sider Satan to possess a spirit of distrust of mankind amounting 
almost to contempt. His lines should be repeated with sneering 
insinuation. In this respect the character should not differ ma- 
terially from Mephistopheles in the Faust. 

JOB'S WIFE 

Job 's wife speaks but one line but this line contains dramatic 
possibilities of a high order. Her words represent the only real 
temptation that comes to Job outside of his inner consciousness, 
unless we regard the discourses of the three friends as containing a 
temptation to give an explanation of Job's afflictions which he 
does not honestly entertain. 

ELIPHAZ 

Eliphaz is the oldest, wisest, and most courteous of the three 
friends. His first speech should be spoken with great calmness 
and dignity. He is fully persuaded that the sufferings of the 
world result from sins which have been committed. He is some- 
thing of a mystic and defends his position in his speech by re- 
citing an account of a vision which he has had sometime in his 
past life. Great pains should be taken to repeat these lines in a 
manner to inspire awe on the part of the listeners. 

BILDAD 

Bildad is younger and less courteous than Eliphaz. He 
agrees with him, however, as does Zophar also, in attributing 
Job 's sufferings to iniquities of which he has been guilty. Bildad 



A Dramatization of the Book of Job 39 



is a traditionalist and bases much of his argument upon the fact 
that the fathers held the opinion that he is expressing. 

ZOPHAR 

Zophar is the most practical and worldly-wise of the three 
friends. He has a scheme of human activity which is very simple. 
Jf Job would put away his evil he would surely receive great 
prosperity and undimmed happiness for the remainder of his 
days. Zophar is impetuous and resents any expression of opinion 
which does not coincide with his own. His words did more to 
stir up Job to anger than any which had been spoken before. 

TRANSLATION 

The Authorized Version is followed throughout on account 
of its great beauty and dignity. The oft quoted expression of 
trust, Though He slay me yet will I trust in Him, has been 
changed in the text because the translation given is thought to 
be a better one, and because it certainly better fits in with 
Job's particular frame of mind at this time. 

PROMETHEUS VINCTUS 

If one desires to get as true an insight as possible into Job's 
mental attitude it is suggested that the Prometheus Bound by 
Aeschylus be read. There are many passages where Prometheus 
expresses sentiments similar to those uttered by Job. Compare 
the following with Job XVI — 4: 

'Tis easy for the man whose foot is placed 

Outside calamities, to urge advice 

On him who struggles in their toils. 

BILDAD'S PICTURE OF A WICKED MAN 

It is not difficult to see that Bildad is painting a striking 
picture of a wicked man and depicting the calamities which shall 
surely befall him. It is an easy inference that he has Job in 
mind in all this and this idea should govern the reading of the 
lines. 

ZOPHAR'S PICTURE 

Zophar repeats the line of argument used by Bildad and 
makes it just as obvious that he is referring to Job. 



40 A Dramatization of the Book of Job 



ELIPHAZ'S SPECIFIC CHARGES 

Eliphaz who began his round of speeches with a courteous 
exaltation to repentance and followed this in his second speech 
with a picture of the fate which follows the wicked man, here 
charges Job with specific sins which he has committed. His 
natural kindly temperament causes him at the end of his catalog 
of sins to hold up to Job the promise that if he will return to the 
Almighty he shall lay up gold as dust and have plenty of silver. 
This idea of a personal reward represented the highest ethical 
conception of the three friends. 

BILDAD'S LAST SPEECH AND THE MISSING SPEECH 

OFZOPHAR 

The last speech of Bildad in the authorized version is a 
very pointless one. Many consider that this speech and the fact 
that Zophar failed to reply the third time indicate a confession 
of defeat on the part of the Friends. There are others who be- 
lieve that by some disarrangement of the manuscript part of the 
speech uttered by Job should have been given to Zophar. It is 
a fact that the sentiments expressed in this speech are at variance 
with those expressed by Job in his former utterances. Whereas he 
had steadfastly maintained that it was not uncommon to observe 
the prosperity of the wicked, he now comes out in direct oppo- 
sition to this doctrine and tells us that there is no prosperity 
for one who transgresses the laws of God. Without entering into 
the merits of the case it seems best for dramatic purposes to 
follow the arrangement used by Professor Richard G. Moulton, 
of the University of Chicago, and extend Bildad 's last speech 
by using material attributed to Job, and to give to Zophar the 
lines which deal with the punishment of the wicked and the chapter 
on wisdom, which would be much more appropriate for Zophar 
than for Job in this place. 

ELIHU 

Elihu should be in strong contrast to the three Friends and 
should show both by his manner and costume that he is a youth. 
The fact that he takes over fifty verses to apologize for his speak- 
ing at all gives a clue to his character. His point of view differs 
but little from that of the Friends, but as he proceeds he develops 
a sort of self-assertiveness which is striking. He appe^ils for 



A Dramatization of the Book op Job 41 



recognition in turn to Job and the Friends, and when these fail to 
recognise him he turns to the heavens which seem to answer him 
by a series of meteorological manifestations which strike terror 
into his heart. Although the narrative does not make it clear 
that the storm which Elihu describes actually culminates in the 
whirlwind out of which the Voice of God speaks, yet it is very 
natural so to regard it, and for dramatic purposes the piano 
accompaniment should express the various phases of the storm 
as recited by Elihu. 

THE STORM CULMINATES: THE VOICE OUT OF THE 

WHIRLWIND 

When the storm has culminated into a whirlwind Elihu 
should express the profoundest terror and the music should stop 
abruptly. The first question asked by the Lord out of the 
whirlwind is addressed to Elihu. Then the Voice turns to Job 
and beginning with the series of question which are asked Job, 
a soft musical accompaniment should be played based on ' * Z Know 
that My Redeemer Liveth.'^ 

THE LENGTH OF THE PLAY 

To give the play in the form in which it appears in this 
book requires about one and three-quarters hours. If the 
audience is made up of those who are interested in the dis- 
cussions and are able to follow the various phases of thought 
from beginning to end it is preferable to produce the play in full. 
If, however, the audience is made up quite largely of people to 
whom the long discussions do not so favorably appeal, it may 
be well to cut down the argumentative portions to some extent. 
There are certain sections which are enclosed in square brackets 
which may be eliminated if it is thought best. This would 
probably save about fifteen minutes in the time of presentation. 



